Here's A Complete List Of Places to Visit in Kerala That You'll Ever Need!

Also known as Cochin, it is a city in southwest India's coastal Kerala state. It has been a port since 1341, when a flood carved out its harbor and opened it to Arab, Chinese and European merchants. Sites reflecting those influences include Fort Kochi, a settlement with tiled colonial bungalows and diverse houses of worship. Cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, typical of Kochi, have been in use for centuries.

What to see: Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry Palace, Pardesi Synagogue, Cherai Beach.

Munnar is a town in the Western Ghats mountain range in India’s Kerala state. A hill station and former resort for the British Raj elite, it's surrounded by rolling hills dotted with tea plantations established in the late 19th century.

What to see: See Nilgiri Tahr in Eravikulam National Park; take a hike to the Anamudi Peak; try mountain biking; rejuvenate with an Ayurvedic Spa; watch the Attukal Waterfalls; learn how to cook authentic Kerala cuisine from Nimi Sunil Kumar, who hosts cooking classes almost everyday.

Here's a list of the best resorts in Munnar that you must check out while planning your next trip to Kerala.

Alappuzha (or Alleppey) is a city on the Laccadive Sea in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It's best known for houseboat cruises along the rustic Kerala backwaters, a network of tranquil canals and lagoons. Cruising along the backwaters of Kerala is an unforgettable experience. If you have not experienced it, here is a golden opportunity to do it.

What to see: Spend your day exploring the Marari and Alappuzha beach. The beach experience in Kerala includes fun activities, such as camel safaris and participation in various sand art festivals.

4. Thekkady

The rich flora and fauna of the region has been a great attraction for visitors for many years. In addition to that Thekkady is also hope for many spice gardens. A chance to see the Great Indian Tiger is a great pull for travellers to this silent spot in the Western Ghats. You can take a guided jungle trek through the Periyar Tiger Reserve to observe and understand wildlife closely.

What to see: Periyar Tiger reserve, Spice plantation, Cultural performance of Kalaripayattu and Kathakali shows.

Want to delve in the beauty of the blue Arabian Sea? Well, you couldn't have asked for a bluer view of the sea! Varkala Beach in Kerala is one such exotic beach in the state that you'll definitely like. From its hippie culture to the solo backpacking scenes, Varkala is easily one of the best places to visit in Kerala. And you'll absolutely fall in love with the food served at the beach shacks here!

The backdrop Arabian Sea against the cliffs of Kerala is a unique one since these sedimentary formation peaks are not found anywhere in the otherwise flat coastline of Kerala.

What to see: Dolphin watching, Papanasam Beach, Janardhana Swami Temple, Anjengo Fort and Light House.

Here's a list of the 10 best things to do in Varkala - check it out!

Vembanad Lake's unmatched beauty is best viewed from Kumarakom, located right by its banks. The backwaters fringed with green paddies on all sides is a tourist place in Kerala that you must absolutely visit. You would be amazed by the serenity of the neighbourhood. In addition to the numerous places to visit in Kumarakom, the city also has some absolutely pleasant activities including boating, angling, strolling, and quick & short treks.

What to see: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Maya Spa, Kathakali Performance, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall, Nehru Snake Boat Race.

Here's an all encompassed itinerary for traveling to Kerala on a budget.

Perched atop the gorgeous blue Arabian Sea is the most popular tourist attraction, Bekal Fort. Bekal, in general, is one of the best places to visit in Kerala. The place with its exotic vibe would leave you relaxed and happy. Home to the famous Bekal Fort; is a historic fort surrounded by a beautiful beach that offers captivating views of the Arabian Sea.

What to see: Bekal fort, Bekal Beach, Nityanand Ashram Caves, Chandragiri Fort, Kappil Beach.

9. Palakkad

Better known as the 'granary of Kerala', Palakkad is a gorgeous green expanse of land which is super beautiful. They have some really alluring locales ranging from tea plantations to paddy estates. Undoubtedly one of the top places to visit in Kerala. Add it to your list already! While the floors of Kerala are abundantly covered with coconut groves, Palakkad offers extremely contrasting vegetation by housing an extensive number of giant Palmyra trees.

What to see: Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Silent Valley National Park, Fantasy Park, Palakkad Fort, Rock Garden, Nelliyampathy Hills, Meenvallam Waterfalls.

Check out this guide for exploring Palakkad, Kerala.

10. Thiruvananthapuram

As the capital of the state, Thiruvananthapuram (also known as Trivandrum) is a very popular tourist spot in Kerala for you to visit. The city might be a commercial space that is unlike the rest of the state, but it does have some greenery for nature lovers such as the Neyyar Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary, Anchuthengu Fort and more.

What to see: Vizhinjam Lighthouse, Margi Theatre, Valiyathura Pier, Chalai Market, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Here's a guide for exploring Thiruvananthapuram in a week's time!

Located in proximity with Bekal, Kasargod is a fabulous getaway that you can opt for when travelling in Kerala. The quiet and relaxed atmosphere of Kasargod will ease your senses and leave you feeling rejuvenated! You get to witness the blue Arabian sea as well as the wayward Western ghats!

What to see: Parappa wildlife sanctuary, Ranipuram hills, Bela Church, Malom wildlife sanctuary.

Adventure junkies who like activities such as trekking, bird watching, hiking, photography and more, must surely add Idukki in your list of places to visit in Kerala. The monsoon months are perfect for visiting the place and savouring the beautiful landscape.

What to see: Idukki wildlife sanctuary, Idukki arch dam, Calvary mount, Painavu, Thommankuthu Waterfalls.

Here's a complete guide to explore Idduki in Kerala.

13. Vagamon

Tranquility, thy name is Vagamon! The quaint little hamlet nestled in the misty valleys with tea plantations around is a very interesting tourist place to visit in Kerala. August through May is considered to be a great time to visit Vagamon in Kerala. This sleepy town, which was once a quiet and forgotten land is now the eye of major tourist activity.One of the must-visit places in Kerala, Vagamon is one of the very few places in India that is still not touched by commercialization.

What to see: Vagamon Pine Forest, Marmala Waterfall, Barren Hills, Mundakayam Ghat.

The rural bliss of Kerala can very well be witnessed in Kottayam. Located close to Cochin, the 'City of Letters' is striking when it comes to honing the cultural prowess of Kerala. You would have a great time here, and it is one of the most quaint places to visit in Kerala. You can also drive down to Kumarakom from here.

What to see: Vaikom, Elaveezhapoonchira, Island of Pathiramanal, Visit Nattakom and Panachikkad, Kottathavalam.

Perched right on top of the confluence of the lovely Ashtamud Lake and Kallada River is the cluster of small green islands called Munroe Island. The island is one of the most popular places to visit in Kerala thanks to its alluring setting. The aesthetic beauty of Munroe Island is romantic and enchanting.

What to see: Canal cruise, Dutch church, Local food tour, Sunset view point.